Pander (In The Name of Love)

Well this is as important a choice as any other they’ve made in the last six months. What makes it an interesting list is not only what is on there, but what was left off. Usually, these campaign generated things have the unmistakable stench of a white bread focus group coupled with the soul-devouring sentimentality of a classic rock radio programmer. Or, at least one of them.

Can reasonable people agree that any list with Marvin Gaye on it is cliche by definition? I like Marvin as much as the next guy who has heard “What’s Going On?” run into the ground for the last 40 years.

Obama’s list is clearly hipper than his 72 year old opponent’s. Just barely. There’s a couple of cool deep tracks mixed with tunes that are frankly suspect. It’s an interesting mix. Break it down like this: Sinatra, Simone and Gaye appeal to the older, traditional voter. Springsteen, Aretha and the Stones nod to the baby-boomers. U2, Fugees and West identify with teh kidz. And what kind of ego picks a song (Yes We Can) full of his own speechifying as one of his favorite songs? Carly Simon called and confirms that this song is indeed about you.

McCain’s List

1.Dancing Queen ABBA2. Blue Bayou Roy Orbison3. Take a Chance On Me ABBA4. If We Make It Through December Merle Haggard5. As Time Goes By Dooley Wilson6. Good Vibrations The Beach Boys7.What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong8. I’ve Got You Under My Skin Frank Sinatra9. Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes The Platters

Though more traditional, this list seems more genuine and reflective of the candidate. Boring and predictable as Velveeta, my friends. Any list with TWO songs by ABBA can’t be the result of GOP operatives sitting up all night brainstorming what will play in Peoria, can it? The thing that jumps out is that there isn’t a song on that list recorded since Jimmy Carter was POTUS. You can’t really pick on any of those songs for being anything other than safe choices. All are pleasant, inoffensive tunes that have been around since forever. Again, reflective of the candidate. Pretty fly for an old guy.

If I had to pick the top ten for each candidate, it would be more like this: